Maple Leaf Rumors … Bodies Moving out off the Isle? Flames done Dealing

Mark Easson

15 years ago

Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke expects to be busy leading up to the trade deadline. Assistant GM Dave Nonis has been handling some things while Burke is at the Olympics. The Maple Leafs hope to be both buyers and sellers, taking on salary for picks/prospects. 4 of the Leafs pending UFA’s who could find themselves playing elsewhere, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Lee Stempniak, Wayne Primeau, and Garnet Exelby. Burke stated again he won’t ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause, but rumors are swirling Kaberle may be willing to waive it. The Leafs have already received a trade offer for Ponikarovsky, a 2nd round pick and prospect, but decided to hold out in hope of a better offer. The Penguins head scout has been seen at the ACC over the last month. Stempniak may be getting some interest from his home town, Buffalo.

Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: The Islanders continue to shop Dwayne Roloson and Andy Sutton. Flyers, Capitals, Blackhawks and others, could consider adding a goalie. Botta thinks the Isles could take back Huet, a 1st round pick, and a top prospect. There also appears to be some interest in veterans Martin Biron, Richard Park and Jon Sim, with each fetching a 3rd to 5th round pick.

Ian Busby of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Darryle Sutter doesn’t expect to busy leading up to the trade deadline, as he’s made several moves beforehand, and he is happy with the team.

Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: The Flames are without a 1st (Olli Jokinen trade) and 2nd (Rene Bourque) round pick this year, and Cruickshank thinks the Flames could look at getting back some early round picks.